Banknote validator

Abstract

To provide a banknote identification device that can efficiently clean an identification sensor.SOLUTION: Provided is a banknote identification device 1 including an identification sensor 5 that identifies a banknote 101, and a control unit 9, and capable of taking a normal mode which is a mode of accepting the banknote 101, and a cleaning mode which is a mode of accepting a cleaning sheet 102 for cleaning the identification sensor 5. The control unit 9 exerts control of, in the cleaning mode, determining whether or not cleaning is sufficient after the identification sensor 5 is cleaned by the cleaning sheet 102, and in a case of determining that cleaning is sufficient, setting a return position of the cleaning sheet 102 at a first position (OK position) and in a case of determining that cleaning is insufficient, setting the return position of the cleaning sheet 102 at a second position (NG position) which is a position different from the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a banknote validator. [Background technology]

[0002] A banknote validator is a device that processes banknotes, and is often connected to or installed in vending machines, currency exchange machines, settlement machines, ticket vending machines, POS registers, service equipment, etc. As such a banknote validator operates, dirt accumulates on the validator sensor that identifies banknotes, causing the sensitivity of the validator sensor to decrease. Therefore, the validator sensor in a banknote validator needs to be cleaned periodically.

[0003] Regarding cleaning the discrimination sensor of a banknote discrimination device, a method using a cleaning sheet to remove dirt from the discrimination sensor is known. This method involves inserting a cleaning sheet into the banknote insertion slot of the banknote discrimination device, transporting the cleaning sheet to the discrimination sensor in the same way as banknotes, and using the cleaning sheet to remove dirt from the discrimination sensor (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-90321 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional banknote validator devices do not incorporate special control for cleaning sheets, and instead insert a cleaning sheet through a banknote insertion slot, transport it in the same way as banknotes, and return the cleaning sheet through the banknote insertion slot when the validator sensor determines that the banknote is not acceptable. Conventional banknote validator devices clean the validator sensor by repeatedly inserting and returning the cleaning sheet.

[0006] As described above, conventional banknote validators require repeated insertion and return of cleaning sheets, and it is difficult to determine how often the cleaning sheets should be inserted and returned.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a banknote validator that can efficiently clean a validator sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the banknote recognition device of the present invention comprises an identification sensor that recognizes banknotes and a control unit, and can be operated in a normal mode in which it accepts banknotes, and a cleaning mode in which it accepts a cleaning sheet for cleaning the identification sensor. In the cleaning mode, after cleaning the identification sensor with the cleaning sheet, the control unit determines whether the cleaning is sufficient, and if it determines that the cleaning is sufficient, controls the return position of the cleaning sheet to a first position, or if it determines that the cleaning is not sufficient, controls the return position of the cleaning sheet to a second position that is different from the first position.

[0009] The difference between the percentage of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the first position and the percentage of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the second position may be 20% or more. Alternatively, the first position may be a position where the entire cleaning sheet is discharged, and the second position may be a position where only a part of the cleaning sheet is discharged.

[0010] The identification sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the control unit determines whether the cleaning is sufficient by determining whether the amount of light received by the light-receiving element is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the control unit may determine that the cleaning is sufficient if the amount of light received is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, and determine that the cleaning is insufficient if the amount of light received is less than the predetermined value.

[0011] Furthermore, a banknote recognition device of the present invention includes a recognition sensor for recognizing banknotes and a banknote storage unit attached to a device body so as to be freely opened and closed, and can be operated in a normal mode for receiving banknotes and a cleaning mode for receiving a cleaning sheet for cleaning the recognition sensor, and switching between the normal mode and the cleaning mode is performed by opening and closing the banknote storage unit. Switching from the normal mode to the cleaning mode may be performed by opening the banknote storage unit within a predetermined time after closing the banknote storage unit, and switching from the cleaning mode to the normal mode may be performed by closing the banknote storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the banknote validator of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently clean the validator sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a banknote validator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the banknote validator of the present embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the banknote validator of the present embodiment. [Figure 2C] 1 is a rear perspective view of the banknote validator of the present embodiment, showing a state in which the banknote storage unit is open. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vicinity of a recognition sensor of a banknote recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the identification sensor, taken along the line AA in FIG. 3 as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 4B] 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the identification sensor, taken along the line AA in FIG. 3, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 5] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the periphery of a banknote storage unit of the banknote validator of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6A] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for storing banknotes in the banknote storing section, showing the cross section BB of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view continuing from FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view continuing from FIG. 6B. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit of the banknote validator of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a cleaning sheet is being inserted into the banknote validator of the present embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing an example of a return position of the cleaning sheet when it is determined that cleaning is sufficient. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing an example of a return position of the cleaning sheet when it is determined that cleaning is insufficient. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in a cleaning mode of the banknote validator of the present embodiment. [Figure 11A] 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a cleaning operation, in which a cleaning sheet is inserted into the insertion opening. FIG. [Figure 11B]FIG. 11B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view continuing from FIG. 11A, showing a state in which a forward cleaning operation is being performed. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view continuing from FIG. 11B, showing the state in which the cleaning sheet is stopped at the forward stop position. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view following FIG. 11C, showing a state in which a reverse cleaning operation is being performed. [Figure 11E] FIG. 11D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the cleaning sheet stopped at the reverse direction stop position. [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the return position, in which the cleaning sheet is stopped at the OK position. [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the return position, in which the cleaning sheet is stopped at the NG position. [Figure 13A] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing the return position of the cleaning sheet when it is determined that cleaning is sufficient in the banknote validator of the modified example. [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing the return position of the cleaning sheet in the modified banknote validator when it is determined that cleaning is insufficient. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the return position in the banknote validator of the modified example, in which the cleaning sheet is stopped at the OK position. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the return position in the banknote validator of the modified example, in which the cleaning sheet is stopped at the NG position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The banknote validator 1 of this embodiment is characterized by the control performed when the cleaning sheet 102 is received.

[0016] First, the basic configuration of the banknote validator 1 will be described.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2A is a front perspective view of the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2B is a rear perspective view of the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2C is a rear perspective view of the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment, showing a state in which the banknote storage unit 6 is open.

[0018] In this specification, the side where the insertion slot 2 of the banknote validator 1 is located (i.e., the left side in Figure 1) will be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side (i.e., the right side in Figure 1) will be referred to as the back side.

[0019] The banknote recognition device 1 includes an insertion slot 2, a transport path 3, a transport means 4, a recognition sensor 5, a banknote storage unit 6, an entrance sensor 81, an opening / closing detection means 82, a withdrawal detection means 83, and a control unit 9.

[0020] The insertion slot 2 is an opening into which a banknote 101 or a cleaning sheet 102 (hereinafter, the banknote 101 and the cleaning sheet 102 are collectively referred to as "banknotes, etc. 101, 102") is inserted.

[0021] The transport path 3 is a path along which the banknotes 101, 102 inserted into the insertion slot 2 are transported. The transport path 3 is connected to the insertion slot 2.

[0022] The conveying means 4 is a means for conveying the banknotes, etc. 101, 102 along the conveying path 3. The conveying means 4 has a conveying belt 41, a driving pulley 42, a driven pulley 43, a pressure roller 44, and a motor 45. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the conveying means 4 has two driven pulleys 43. The conveying means 4 also has four pressure rollers 44.

[0023] The motor 45 is a stepping motor whose rotation direction, rotation angle, and rotation speed can be controlled. The rotation direction of the motor 45 is controlled by a rotation direction signal input to the motor 45. Specifically, a high-level signal is input to rotate the motor in the forward direction, and a low-level signal is input to rotate the motor in the reverse direction. The rotation angle of the motor 45 is controlled by the number of pulses of a pulse signal input to the motor 45. Specifically, the rotation angle of the motor 45 is proportional to the number of pulses of the pulse signal. The rotation speed of the motor is controlled by the pulse speed (pulse frequency) of the pulse signal input to the motor 45. Specifically, the rotation speed of the motor 45 is proportional to the pulse speed of the pulse signal.

[0024] The drive pulley 42 rotates by a driving force transmitted from a motor 45. The conveyor belt 41 is wound around the drive pulley 42 and the driven pulley 43. The conveyor belt 41 moves in response to the rotation of the drive pulley 42. The movement direction of the conveyor belt 41 is controlled by a rotation direction signal input to the motor 45. The movement distance of the conveyor belt 41 is controlled by the number of pulses of a pulse signal input to the motor 45. The speed of the conveyor belt 41 is controlled by the pulse speed of the pulse signal input to the motor 45.

[0025] The pressure roller 44 is disposed opposite the drive pulley 42 or the driven pulley 43 with the conveyor belt 41 in between. The banknotes 101, 102 are sandwiched between the conveyor belt 41 and the pressure roller 44 and conveyed. The banknotes 101, 102 sandwiched between the conveyor belt 41 and the pressure roller 44 move in accordance with the movement of the conveyor belt 41. In other words, the conveying direction of the banknotes 101, 102 is controlled by a rotation direction signal input to the motor 45. The conveying distance of the banknotes 101, 102 is controlled by the number of pulses of a pulse signal input to the motor 45. The conveying speed of the banknotes 101, 102 is controlled by the pulse speed of the pulse signal input to the motor 45.

[0026] The motor 45 of the present embodiment is a stepping motor whose rotation direction, rotation angle, and rotation speed are controlled by a rotation direction signal, the number of pulses of a pulse signal, and the pulse speed of the pulse signal, respectively. However, the motor 45 of the present invention is not limited to this. The motor 45 of the present invention may be any motor that can control at least the movement direction, movement distance, and movement speed of the conveyor belt 41. For example, a DC motor may be used as the motor 45. In this case, the movement direction of the conveyor belt 41 is controlled by the direction of current input to the DC motor. Furthermore, the movement distance and movement speed of the conveyor belt 41 are controlled by feedback control using a measuring instrument such as a tachometer.

[0027] The identification sensor 5 is a sensor for identifying the type and authenticity of the banknote 101. The identification sensor 5 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the transport path 3.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the recognition sensor 5 of the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 4A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the recognition sensor 5, taken along line AA in Fig. 3, as seen from the rear side. Fig. 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the recognition sensor 5, taken along line AA in Fig. 3, as seen from the front side.

[0029] The banknote recognition device 1 includes an optical sensor 51 and a magnetic sensor 52 as the recognition sensor 5. The optical sensor 51 has a light-emitting element 51a and a light-receiving element 51b. The light-emitting element 51a and the light-receiving element 51b are arranged opposite each other with the conveyance path 3 in between. The magnetic sensor 52 has a magnetic head 52a and a pressure roller 52b. The magnetic head 52a and the pressure roller 52b are arranged opposite each other with the conveyance path 3 in between.

[0030] 4A and 4B, three optical sensors 51 are arranged side by side on the inner wall surface of the conveying passage 3 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction R1 of the banknotes 101, 102. In addition, two magnetic sensors 52 are arranged side by side on the inner wall surface of the conveying passage 3 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction R1.

[0031] The bill storage unit 6 is a portion that stores bills 101. The bill storage unit 6 has a pivotal attachment part 6a near its lower end that is connected to the device main body, and is attached to the device main body so as to be able to open and close freely.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the periphery of the banknote storage unit 6 of the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment. Figs. 6A to 6C are horizontal cross-sectional views showing a method of storing banknotes 101 in the banknote storage unit 6, showing the cross section BB of Fig. 5.

[0033] The banknote storage unit 6 has a stack plate 61 and a biasing member 62 that constantly biases the stack plate 61 toward the transport path 3. The biasing member 62 is, for example, a compression spring. The banknote recognition device 1 also has a banknote pressing plate 65 that is arranged at a position opposite to the stack plate 61 of the banknote storage unit 6 across the transport path 3.

[0034] As shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the banknote recognition device 1 moves the banknote pressing plate 65 toward the inside of the banknote storage unit 6 and presses the banknotes 101 in the conveying passage 3 onto the stack plate 61, thereby stacking and storing the banknotes 101 on the stack plate 61.

[0035] The entrance sensor 81 is a sensor for detecting the presence of banknotes, etc. 101, 102 in the area near the insertion slot 2 in the conveyance path 3. For example, the entrance sensor 81 can detect the insertion of banknotes, etc. 101, 102 into the insertion slot 2 and the discharge of banknotes, etc. 101, 102 from the insertion slot 2. The entrance sensor 81 is configured, for example, by an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0036] The open / close detection means 82 is a means for detecting whether the banknote storage unit 6 is open or closed. The open / close detection means 82 is configured by, for example, a mechanical switch, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. In the example shown in Fig. 2C, the open / close detection means 82 is configured by a mechanical switch that is pressed by the banknote storage unit 6 to turn ON when the banknote storage unit 6 is closed, and that is released from the banknote storage unit 6 to turn OFF when the banknote storage unit 6 is open.

[0037] The withdrawal detection means 83 is a means for detecting the withdrawal of banknotes, etc. 101, 102 from the banknote recognition device 1. When a pulling force acts on the banknotes, etc. 101, 102 while the conveyance of the banknotes, etc. 101, 102 is stopped, the pulling force is transmitted to the conveyor belt 41, causing the conveyor belt 41 to move. Furthermore, when the conveyor belt 41 moves, the drive pulley 42, driven pulley 43, pressure roller 44, and motor 45 also rotate accordingly. The withdrawal detection means 83 can be configured by means for detecting at least one of these movements and rotations. The withdrawal detection means 83 in this embodiment is configured by a tachometer that detects the rotation of the motor 45.

[0038] The control unit 9 controls the overall operation of the banknote recognition device 1. In this specification, the controls and processes described as being performed by the banknote recognition device 1 can be said to be performed by the control unit 9 of the banknote recognition device 1.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 9 of the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment.

[0040] The control unit 9 has a processor 91 and a memory unit 92. The processor 91 controls the operation of the banknote validation device 1 in accordance with a program recorded in the memory unit 92. The processor 91 is configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory unit 92 stores programs and calculation parameters used by the processor 91. The memory unit 92 is configured, for example, by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0041] The control unit 9 controls the conveying direction, movement distance and movement speed of the banknotes 101, 102, for example, by inputting a rotation direction signal and a pulse signal to the motor 45. The control unit 9 also determines the type and authenticity of the banknotes based on the output of the recognition sensor 5. The control unit 9 also determines whether the recognition sensor 5, which will be described later, has been sufficiently cleaned based on the output of the recognition sensor 5. The control unit 9 also receives outputs from the entrance sensor 81, the open / close detection means 82 and the withdrawal detection means 83, and controls the operation of the banknote recognition device 1 when accepting a cleaning sheet 102, which will be described later.

[0042] Next, the control when the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment receives the cleaning sheet 102 will be described.

[0043] The banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment is configured to be capable of operating in a normal state, which is a mode for accepting banknotes 101, and a cleaning mode, which is a mode for accepting a cleaning sheet 102 for cleaning the recognition sensor 5. Switching between the normal mode and the cleaning mode is performed by opening and closing the banknote storage unit 6.

[0044] The banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment switches from the normal mode to the cleaning mode when the banknote storage compartment 6, which is in an open state, is opened within a predetermined time after being closed. That is, in the normal mode, the banknote validation device 1 switches to the cleaning mode when the open / close detection means 82 detects that the banknote storage compartment 6 is opened within a predetermined time after detecting that the banknote storage compartment 6 is closed. This predetermined period is preferably 0.1 seconds or more and 180 seconds or less. The reason why the upper limit of the preferable predetermined time is set to a relatively long time of 180 seconds is that it is expected that an operator will collect banknotes 101 from the banknote storage compartment 6, close the banknote storage compartment 6, and perform certain tasks such as checking the collected banknotes 101 and storing them in a portable container, and then open the banknote storage compartment 6 again to perform cleaning work.

[0045] The banknote validation device 1 may also be configured to switch from the normal mode to the cleaning mode by opening, closing, and opening the banknote storage unit 6 within a predetermined time period that is set as a relatively short period of time. In this case, the banknote validation device 1 switches to the cleaning mode when the open / close detection means 82 detects that the banknote storage unit 6 has been opened, closed, and opened within the predetermined time period in the normal mode. This predetermined time period is preferably between 1 second and 5 seconds.

[0046] In the cleaning mode of the banknote validator 1, the banknote storage unit 6 is always in an open state.

[0047] The cleaning mode is switched to the normal mode by closing the banknote storage unit 6. That is, when the open / close detection means 82 detects that the banknote storage unit 6 is closed in the cleaning mode, the banknote recognition device 1 switches to the normal mode.

[0048] As described above, the banknote validator 1 of this embodiment is configured to be able to enter the cleaning mode, and is therefore able to perform special control for cleaning.

[0049] Furthermore, the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment has a simpler configuration than a device that requires a switch or the like for switching modes, since the switching between the normal mode and the cleaning mode is performed by opening and closing the banknote storage unit 6. Furthermore, the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment has a simpler configuration than a device that requires a switch or the like for switching modes, since the switching between the normal mode and the cleaning mode is performed by opening and closing the banknote storage unit 6. This allows the operator to simultaneously clean the validation sensor 5 and collect the banknotes 101. In other words, the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment allows the operator to efficiently clean the validation sensor 5 and collect the banknotes 101.

[0050] Furthermore, in the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment, switching from the cleaning mode to the normal mode is performed by closing the banknote storage unit 6, so that forgetting to return to the normal mode can be prevented.

[0051] Fig. 8 is a front perspective view showing a state in which the cleaning sheet 102 is being inserted into the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 9A is a front perspective view showing an example of a return position for the cleaning sheet 102 when it is determined that cleaning is sufficient. Fig. 9B is a front perspective view showing an example of a return position for the cleaning sheet 102 when it is determined that cleaning is insufficient.

[0052] When the banknote validator 1 receives the cleaning sheet 102 in the cleaning mode, it performs a process for cleaning using the cleaning sheet 102. The process in the cleaning mode will be described in detail later.

[0053] After cleaning with the cleaning sheet 102, the banknote validation device 1 determines whether the cleaning is sufficient or not, and depending on the result, changes the final feed amount when returning the cleaning sheet 102. In other words, after cleaning with the cleaning sheet 102, the banknote validation device 1 determines whether the cleaning is sufficient or not, and depending on the result, changes the return position of the cleaning sheet 102.

[0054] Here, the return position is the position at which the banknote recognition device 1 stops the cleaning sheet 102 during the return operation of the cleaning sheet 102. In this specification, the position set as the return position when cleaning is sufficient is referred to as the "OK position," and the position set as the return position when cleaning is insufficient is referred to as the "NG position."

[0055] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, in the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment, the OK position is set to a position where the entire cleaning sheet 102 is ejected, and the NG position is set to a position where not all of the cleaning sheet 102 is ejected, but only a portion of the cleaning sheet 102 is ejected.

[0056] In this way, the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment allows the operator to know whether cleaning is sufficient or not based on the return position of the cleaning sheet 102. If cleaning is not sufficient, the operator will re-insert the cleaning sheet 102 into the insertion slot 2 of the banknote validation device 1 and clean the validation sensor 5.

[0057] Furthermore, when an operator pulls out the cleaning sheet 102 that has stopped at the NG position, the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment performs control to assist the pulling out. Specifically, after the cleaning sheet 102 has been returned, when the pulling detection means 83 detects that the cleaning sheet 102 has been pulled out, the banknote recognition device 1 performs control to transport the cleaning sheet 102 in the pulling direction using the transport means 4.

[0058] As described above, in the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment, the OK position when returning the cleaning sheet 102 is the position where the entire cleaning sheet 102 is ejected, and the NG position is the position where only a portion of the cleaning sheet 102 is ejected. However, the OK position and NG position of the present invention are not limited to this, and it is sufficient if the difference between the two can be recognized.

[0059] For example, contrary to the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment, the OK position may be a position where only a portion of the cleaning sheet 102 is ejected, and the NG position may be a position where the entire cleaning sheet 102 is ejected. However, since it is expected that the return position of the cleaning sheet 102 will be the OK position more frequently than the NG position, it is preferable to set the OK position as the position where the entire cleaning sheet 102 is ejected, and the NG position as the position where only a portion of the cleaning sheet 102 is ejected.

[0060] Furthermore, the OK position of the present invention does not have to be the position where the entire cleaning sheet 102 is ejected. However, from the viewpoint of ease of removal of the cleaning sheet 102 and simplicity of control, it is preferable that the OK position is the position where the entire cleaning sheet 102 is ejected. Note that the position where the entire cleaning sheet 102 is ejected does not mean the position where the cleaning sheet 102 is completely ejected from the insertion slot 2, but rather the position where the rear end of the cleaning sheet 102 is off the conveyor belt 41 (see FIG. 12A).

[0061] From the viewpoint of visibility of the difference between the OK position and the NG position, it is preferable that the difference between the proportion of the cleaning sheet 102 exposed from the device body at the OK position and the proportion of the cleaning sheet 102 exposed from the device body at the NG position be 20% or more. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the proportion of the cleaning sheet 102 exposed from the device body at the OK position be 70% or more, and that the proportion of the cleaning sheet 102 exposed from the device body at the NG position be 50% or less. Here, the portion of the cleaning sheet 102 exposed from the device body refers to the portion that is visible from outside the banknote recognition device 1.

[0062] The determination of whether cleaning is sufficient is made based on whether the sensitivity of the recognition sensor 5 is equal to or greater than a predetermined level. Specifically, if the sensitivity of the recognition sensor 5 is equal to or greater than the predetermined level, it is determined that cleaning is sufficient, and if the sensitivity of the recognition sensor 5 is less than the predetermined level, it is determined that cleaning is insufficient. In the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment, if the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 51b of the optical sensor 51 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is sufficient, and if the amount of light received is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is insufficient. The predetermined value for the amount of received light is set appropriately depending on the properties of the optical sensor 51, etc. Furthermore, this predetermined value may be set as the amount of received light, or as the output voltage or output current of the optical sensor 51.

[0063] Next, the process in the cleaning mode will be described in detail.

[0064] Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the process flow in the cleaning mode of the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment. Figs. 11A to 11E are vertical cross-sectional views showing an example of the cleaning operation. Figs. 12A and 12B are vertical cross-sectional views showing an example of the return position.

[0065] In this specification, the direction from the insertion slot 2 to the identification sensor 5 along the transport path 3 is referred to as the forward direction, and the opposite direction from the identification sensor 5 to the insertion slot 2 is referred to as the reverse direction.

[0066] First, in the cleaning mode, when the cleaning sheet 102 is inserted into the insertion slot 2 (see FIG. 11A) and the entrance sensor 81 detects the insertion of the cleaning sheet 102 (S1), the banknote recognition device 1 sets the value of the number of reciprocations to 0 (S2). This number of reciprocations is a variable introduced to store the number of reciprocations of the cleaning sheet 102. This number of reciprocations is stored in the memory unit 92 of the control unit 9 (see FIG. 7).

[0067] Next, the banknote recognition device 1 performs a forward cleaning operation in which the cleaning sheet 102 is conveyed in the forward direction at a conveying speed suitable for cleaning the recognition sensor 5 (see FIG. 11B), and stops the cleaning sheet 102 at a forward stop position (see FIG. 11C) (S3). The recognition sensor 5 is cleaned by this forward cleaning operation.

[0068] Here, the forward direction stop position refers to a position set as a position where the cleaning sheet 102 is stopped during the forward direction cleaning operation. This forward direction stop position is set at a position where the cleaning sheet 102 has completely passed the discrimination sensor 5, since the sensitivity level of the discrimination sensor 5 will be determined next.

[0069] Next, the banknote recognition device 1 determines whether the sensitivity level of the recognition sensor 5 is equal to or greater than a predetermined level (S4). This predetermined level is a constant that is set in advance for the determination. This predetermined level is stored in the memory unit 92 of the control unit 9. As described above, in the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment, whether the sensitivity level is equal to or greater than the predetermined level is determined by whether the amount of light received by the light receiving element 51b of the optical sensor 51 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Therefore, in the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment, the predetermined value of the amount of received light is stored as the predetermined level in the memory unit of the control unit 9.

[0070] If the sensitivity level of the recognition sensor 5 is determined to be equal to or higher than a predetermined level in determining the sensitivity level of the recognition sensor 5, the banknote recognition device 1 performs a return operation to return the cleaning sheet 102, stops the cleaning sheet 102 at the OK position (see FIG. 12A) (S5), and ends the cleaning process. Note that if the set OK position is not the position where the entire cleaning sheet 102 is discharged, a pull-out assist process (S10, S11) after detecting pull-out, which will be described later, is performed, and then the cleaning process ends (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 10).

[0071] If it is determined in the step S4 that the sensitivity level of the identification sensor 5 is below a predetermined level, it is then determined whether the number of reciprocations is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S6). This predetermined number is a constant that is preset as the upper limit of the number of times the cleaning sheet 102 is reciprocated by repeating the reverse cleaning operation and the forward cleaning operation, which will be described later. From the viewpoint of the wait time that the operator can tolerate, it is preferable that this predetermined number be equal to or greater than 1 time and equal to or less than 10 times. This predetermined number is stored in the memory unit 92 of the control unit 9.

[0072] If it is determined in the determination of the number of reciprocations (S4) that the number of reciprocations is less than the predetermined number, the banknote recognition device 1 performs a reverse cleaning operation in which the cleaning sheet 102 is conveyed in the reverse direction at a conveying speed suitable for cleaning the recognition sensor 5 (see FIG. 11D), and stops the cleaning sheet 102 at the reverse stop position (see FIG. 11E) (S7). The recognition sensor 5 is cleaned by this reverse cleaning operation.

[0073] The reverse direction stop position is a position set as a position where the cleaning sheet 102 stops during the reverse direction cleaning operation. From the viewpoint of efficiently cleaning the identification sensor 5, it is preferable that this reverse direction stop position be set at a position where the cleaning sheet 102 has completely passed the identification sensor 5.

[0074] After this reverse cleaning operation, the number of reciprocations is incremented by 1 (S8), the forward cleaning operation (S3) is performed, and the process returns to the determination of the sensitivity level of the identification sensor 5 (S4).

[0075] If it is determined in the determination of the number of reciprocations (S6) that the number of reciprocations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the banknote recognition device 1 performs a return operation to return the cleaning sheet 102, and stops the cleaning sheet 102 at the NG position (see FIG. 12B) (S9).

[0076] When the cleaning sheet 102 is stopped at the NG position and the removal detection means 83 detects the removal of the cleaning sheet 102 (S10), the banknote recognition device 1 performs a process to assist the removal of the cleaning sheet 102 (S11) and ends the cleaning process. This removal assistance process involves controlling the transport means 4 to transport the cleaning sheet 102 in the removal direction.

[0077] To summarize the above, the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a recognition sensor 5 and a control unit 9, and can be in a normal mode in which it accepts banknotes 101, and a cleaning mode in which it accepts a cleaning sheet 102. In the cleaning mode, after the recognition sensor 5 is cleaned by the cleaning sheet 102, the control unit 9 determines whether the cleaning is sufficient or not, and if it determines that the cleaning is sufficient, it controls the return position of the cleaning sheet 102 to be the OK position (first position), or if it determines that the cleaning is not sufficient, it controls the return position of the cleaning sheet 102 to be the NG position (second position).

[0078] Such a banknote validator 1 can efficiently clean the validator sensor 5 and also allow the operator to easily recognize whether further cleaning is required.

[0079] The banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a recognition sensor 5 and a banknote storage unit 6 that is attached to the device body so as to be able to open and close freely, and can be operated in a normal mode in which the banknote 101 is accepted, and a cleaning mode in which the cleaning sheet 102 is accepted, and switching between the normal mode and the cleaning mode is performed by opening and closing the banknote storage unit 6.

[0080] Such a banknote validation device 1 allows the operator to efficiently perform the tasks of cleaning the validation sensor 5 and collecting the banknotes 101.

[0081] Next, a modified banknote validator 1 will be described.

[0082] Fig. 13A is a front perspective view showing the return position of the cleaning sheet 102 in the banknote recognition device 1 of the modified example when it is determined that cleaning is sufficient. Fig. 13B is a front perspective view showing the return position of the cleaning sheet 102 in the banknote recognition device 1 of the modified example when it is determined that cleaning is insufficient. Fig. 14A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the stop position after the return operation in the banknote recognition device 1 of the modified example, showing a state where the cleaning sheet 102 is stopped at the OK position. Fig. 14B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the stop position after the return operation in the banknote recognition device 1 of the modified example, showing a state where the cleaning sheet 102 is stopped at the NG position.

[0083] The banknote validation device 1 of the modified example is configured to return the cleaning sheet 102 to the banknote storage unit 6 side, rather than to the insertion slot 2 side, after cleaning the validation sensor 5. The other configurations are the same as those of the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment.

[0084] As shown in Figures 12A to 14B, in the modified banknote recognition device 1, the OK position when returning the cleaning sheet 102 is a position where the entire cleaning sheet 102 is ejected to the banknote storage unit 6 side, and the NG position is a position where only a part of the cleaning sheet 102 is ejected to the banknote storage unit 6 side.

[0085] In this way, in the banknote validation device 1 of the modified example, as in the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment, the return position of the cleaning sheet 102 allows the operator to recognize whether cleaning is sufficient or not.

[0086] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the banknote validator of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The banknote validator of the present invention can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and additions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0087] The present invention can also be configured as follows. [Item 1] The device includes an identification sensor for identifying banknotes and a control unit, The device can be configured to have a normal mode in which bills are accepted, and a cleaning mode in which a cleaning sheet for cleaning the identification sensor is accepted, The control unit In the cleaning mode, after cleaning the identification sensor with the cleaning sheet, it is determined whether the cleaning is sufficient; If it is determined that the cleaning is sufficient, the return position of the cleaning sheet is set to the first position; If it is determined that the cleaning is not sufficient, the return position of the cleaning sheet is controlled to a second position that is different from the first position. Banknote validator. [Item 2] The banknote validator according to item 1, The difference between the ratio of the portion of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the first position and the ratio of the portion of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the second position is 20% or more. Banknote validator. [Item 3] The banknote validator according to item 1 or 2, the first position is a position where the cleaning sheet is completely discharged, The second position is a position where a portion of the cleaning sheet is discharged. Banknote validator. [Item 4] A banknote validator according to any one of items 1 to 3, The identification sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, the determination by the control unit as to whether the cleaning is sufficient or not is made by determining whether the amount of light received by the light receiving element is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; The control unit If the amount of received light is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is sufficient; If the amount of received light is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is insufficient. Banknote validator. [Item 5] A banknote validator according to any one of items 1 to 4, Furthermore, the device includes a bill storage section that is attached to the device body and can be opened and closed freely, The normal mode and the cleaning mode are switched by opening and closing the bill storage unit. Banknote validator. [Item 6] Item 5. The banknote validator according to item 5, The switching from the normal mode to the cleaning mode is performed by opening, closing, and opening the banknote storage unit within a predetermined time, The cleaning mode is switched to the normal mode by closing the bill storage unit. Banknote validator. [Item 7] an identification sensor for identifying banknotes; a bill storage unit attached to the device body so as to be freely opened and closed; The device can be configured to have a normal mode in which bills are accepted, and a cleaning mode in which a cleaning sheet for cleaning the identification sensor is accepted, The normal mode and the cleaning mode are switched by opening and closing the bill storage unit. Banknote validator. [Item 8] Item 7: A bill validator according to the present invention, The switching from the normal mode to the cleaning mode is performed by opening the banknote storage unit within a predetermined time after the banknote storage unit is closed, The cleaning mode is switched to the normal mode by closing the bill storage unit. Banknote validator. [Item 9] The banknote validator according to item 7 or 8, Further, a control unit is provided, The control unit In the cleaning mode, after cleaning the identification sensor with the cleaning sheet, it is determined whether the cleaning is sufficient; If it is determined that the cleaning is sufficient, the return position of the cleaning sheet is set to the first position; If it is determined that the cleaning is not sufficient, the return position of the cleaning sheet is controlled to a second position that is different from the first position. Banknote validator. [Item 10] Item 9: A bill validator according to the present invention, The difference between the ratio of the portion of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the first position and the ratio of the portion of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the second position is 20% or more. Banknote validator. [Item 11] The banknote validator according to item 9 or 10, the first position is a position where the cleaning sheet is completely discharged, The second position is a position where a portion of the cleaning sheet is discharged. Banknote validator. [Item 12] A banknote validator according to any one of items 9 to 11, The identification sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, the determination by the control unit as to whether the cleaning is sufficient or not is made by determining whether the amount of light received by the light receiving element is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; The control unit If the amount of received light is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is sufficient; If the amount of received light is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is insufficient. Banknote validator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Banknote identification device 2 Insertion port 3 Conveyor aisle 4. Means of transportation 41 Conveyor belt 42 Drive pulley 43 Driven pulley 44 Pressure roller 45 motor 5 Identification sensor 51 Optical Sensor 51a Light-emitting element 51b Light receiving element 52 Magnetic Sensor 52a Magnetic head 52b Pressure roller 6. Bill storage section 6a Pivot joint 61 Stack Plate 62 biasing member 65 Banknote pressing plate 9 Control Unit 91 processors 92 Memory section 81 Inlet sensor 82 Open / close detection means 83 Pull-out detection means 101 banknotes 102 Cleaning Sheet

Claims

1. The device includes an identification sensor for identifying banknotes and a control unit, The device can be configured to have a normal mode in which bills are accepted, and a cleaning mode in which a cleaning sheet for cleaning the identification sensor is accepted, The control unit In the cleaning mode, after cleaning the identification sensor with the cleaning sheet, it is determined whether the cleaning is sufficient; If it is determined that the cleaning is sufficient, the return position of the cleaning sheet is set to the first position; If it is determined that the cleaning is not sufficient, the return position of the cleaning sheet is controlled to a second position that is different from the first position. Banknote validator.

2. 2. The banknote validator according to claim 1, The difference between the ratio of the portion of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the first position and the ratio of the portion of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the second position is 20% or more. Banknote validator.

3. 2. The banknote validator according to claim 1, the first position is a position where the cleaning sheet is entirely discharged, The second position is a position where a portion of the cleaning sheet is discharged. Banknote validator.

4. 2. The banknote validator according to claim 1, The identification sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, the determination by the control unit as to whether the cleaning is sufficient or not is made by determining whether the amount of light received by the light receiving element is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; The control unit If the amount of received light is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is sufficient; If the amount of received light is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is insufficient. Banknote validator.

5. 2. The banknote validator according to claim 1, Furthermore, the device includes a bill storage section that is attached to the device body and can be opened and closed freely, The normal mode and the cleaning mode are switched by opening and closing the bill storage unit. Banknote validator.

6. 6. The banknote validator according to claim 5, The switching from the normal mode to the cleaning mode is performed by opening, closing, and opening the banknote storage unit within a predetermined time, The cleaning mode is switched to the normal mode by closing the bill storage unit. Banknote validator.

7. an identification sensor for identifying banknotes; a bill storage unit attached to the device body so as to be freely opened and closed; The device can be configured to have a normal mode in which bills are accepted, and a cleaning mode in which a cleaning sheet for cleaning the identification sensor is accepted, The switching between the normal mode and the cleaning mode is performed by opening and closing the banknote storage unit, The switching from the normal mode to the cleaning mode is performed by opening the banknote storage unit within a predetermined time after the banknote storage unit is closed, The cleaning mode is switched to the normal mode by closing the bill storage unit. Banknote validator.

8. an identification sensor for identifying banknotes; The device comprises a bill storage unit attached to a device body so as to be freely opened and closed, and a control unit, The device can be configured to have a normal mode in which bills are accepted, and a cleaning mode in which a cleaning sheet for cleaning the identification sensor is accepted, The switching between the normal mode and the cleaning mode is performed by opening and closing the banknote storage unit, The control unit In the cleaning mode, after cleaning the identification sensor with the cleaning sheet, it is determined whether the cleaning is sufficient; If it is determined that the cleaning is sufficient, the return position of the cleaning sheet is set to the first position; If it is determined that the cleaning is not sufficient, the return position of the cleaning sheet is controlled to a second position that is different from the first position. Banknote validator.

9. 9. The banknote validator according to claim 8, The difference between the ratio of the portion of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the first position and the ratio of the portion of the cleaning sheet exposed from the device body at the second position is 20% or more. Banknote validator.

10. 9. The banknote validator according to claim 8, the first position is a position where the cleaning sheet is entirely discharged, The second position is a position where a portion of the cleaning sheet is discharged. Banknote validator.

11. 9. The banknote validator according to claim 8, The identification sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, the determination by the control unit as to whether the cleaning is sufficient or not is made by determining whether the amount of light received by the light receiving element is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; The control unit If the amount of received light is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is sufficient; If the amount of received light is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that cleaning is insufficient. Banknote validator.

Images